Cristiano Ronaldo leads Forbes’ 2026 50 highest-paid athletes [Full List]

Cristiano Ronaldo has retained his position as the world’s highest-paid athlete, earning an estimated $300 million over the 12-month period covered by Forbes’ 2026 ranking.
The Portuguese football star tops the list published by Forbes in May, with his combined earnings from sporting contracts, endorsements and other commercial activities putting him ahead of Mexican boxer Canelo Álvarez, who occupies second place with $170 million.
Argentina captain Lionel Messi follows in third position with $140 million, while basketball star LeBron James is fourth with $137.8 million. Japanese baseball player Shohei Ohtani completes the top five with earnings of $127.6 million.
The ranking highl...